MSTI 3 (23868)

COSPAR: 1996-031A | Alt Name: MSTI 3
DECAYED

Image
MSTI 3 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 17, 1996

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

RW30/12

Launch Vehicle

Pegasus H

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

23868

International Designator

1996-031A

Decay Date

12/11/1997

Basic Satellite Info

Name

MSTI 3

Alternative Name

MSTI 3

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

AFPLH

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
MSTI 3 is a research satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 23868 and OBJECT ID 1996-031A. Launched on May 17, 1996, from AFWTR (RW30/12) using the Pegasus H launch vehicle, MSTI 3 was manufactured by SPA for AFPLH. The satellite is configured as SA-200S and has a cylindrical hexagonal shape with dimensions of 1.4 meters in length and diameter, and spans 1.4 meters. It had a dry mass of 190 kg and launched with a total mass of 211 kg. MSTI 3 was powered by solar cells and batteries and operated for approximately one year before reentering the atmosphere after being fully functional for eighteen months. Its purpose was to conduct research, though specific equipment details are not provided beyond its configuration type.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1.4

Diameter

1.1

Span

1.4

Dry Mass

190

Launch Mass

211

Shape

Cyl Hex

Radar Cross Section

1.0434

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

MSTI 3

Purpose

Research

Mission

Research

Manufacturer

SPA

Life Expectancy

1 year (reentered after 18 months fully functional)

Bus

SA-200S

Configuration

SA-200S

Motor

?

Equipment

see above

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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